Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus was pleased to confirm no serious damage to star wing Cheslin Kolbe’s ankle following South Africa’s decisive 49-3 Pool B victory over Italy at the Shizuoka Stadium ECOPA on Friday.
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Kolbe twisted his left ankle in the final minutes of the match and was withdrawn as a precaution. He is the only player unlikely to be in contention to face Canada on Tuesday.
The Toulouse star, who scored two tries in his Man of the Match performance, was x-rayed after the match and given a clear result. He was walking normally on Saturday.
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‘We have the usual bumps and bruises following a match but otherwise we’re in a good space,’ said Rassie Erasmus.
‘Cheslin’s ankle is a little stiff but he could probably play on Tuesday at a push. We’re in the fortunate space of having a full squad to pick from.’
Wing Makazole Mapimpi scored his 11th try in as many Tests – and collected nine stitches in a forehead gash – while there also scores for hooker Bongi Mbonambi, centre Lukhanyo Am, replacement hooker Malcolm Marx and a career first for lock RG Snyman.
The win moved the Springboks to the top of Pool B on points difference from Italy, although New Zealand have a game in hand.
The Springboks will name their team to meet Canada on Sunday.
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Photo: Adam Pretty/Getty Images